Ch. 466..470: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 466-470

Chapter 466 Hanging By A Thread

Only the sound of dripping water could be heard in the dark, damp sewer.

Serena had fallen into despair. She stuffed her water-damaged and useless phone into her bag. She said, "We’re screwed."

Serena had no idea that they would be pursued by Ravensong's assassin after dinner today.

Ben was unable to see Serena's expression because of the poor visibility. When he heard her trembling voice, he got a little worried. He was unsure where he got the courage but he directly pulled Serena into his arms.

"Ms. Coleman, I'm so grateful for the chance to have dinner with you. I'm partially to blame for what's happening. I need you to trust me. I will protect you, even if it costs me my life."

Ben spoke resolutely and powerfully. His words ferociously struck Serena's heart again in the darkness. Inexplicably, Serena’s body stopped trembling. She was comforted by Ben's embrace, which was as warm as that crazy night.

Serena nodded and murmured, "Mmm…"

"Clomp! Clomp! Clomp!"

Serena's words were cut short by the sound of uniform footsteps coming from the pipe above their heads.

Those people from Ravensong had caught up with them again!

Serena's fear made her hair stand on end. She succeeded in stopping herself from screaming by covering her mouth.

"It's your fault! You spoke too loud just now!" She wrapped her arms around Ben's neck and whispered in his ear.

When Serena's soft body was pressing against him and her hot breath felt on his ear, Ben's imagination began to fantasize things. She had been avoiding him ever since what happened the other night and up until today. He was not able to get so close to her.

"I'm sorry," Ben obediently apologized.

Ben thought. I could say anything to make her happy.

Ben's meekness caused Serena to feel a little ashamed. She cleared her throat lightly and remained silent.

In fact, Ravensong was targeting Serena today. She was the only one who was forced to jump into the river. However, this guy bravely jumped in after her and saved her life.

There was an abandoned sewer entrance that was hidden underneath the dense riverside water plants. It was a natural hiding spot. Ben had guided Serena further into the sewer before stopping when they came to a slightly drier area.

Serene believed she would have died if Ben had not been there. She felt an indescribable sense of gratitude in her heart.

Serena cursed internally. Is this guy a moron? Did he not realize how dangerous the situation was?

How was it that he could act so carelessly to save me? I don't think I can avoid him in the future.

At this time, Ravensong's assassin had discovered them and was moving swiftly in their direction.

…

This particular winter night felt unusually long. The air was cold and dry. In another week, it was predicted to snow.

Leah blankly turned off the weather forecast on her phone and felt rather melancholic. She sighed, "Tonight's temperature is extremely low. If Ben and Serena are to fall into the river, I'm not sure if they will survive."

Her fingers were firmly grasping her phone as she mumbled anxiously.

Leah's eyes were covered by Han's hand as he approached her from behind. He advised, "Stop reading that, you must have faith in Ben's ability to protect her. Now that it's three in the morning, you should go to bed. If there are any updates, I'll let you know."

Leah extended her hand and held Han's hand which covered her eyes. She did not let go of his hand immediately. Instead, she got up and turned to face him and wondered, "Will they be alright?"

Her innocent eyes were full of pleading and sorrow. Leah seemed like she was looking for an answer or trying to convince herself.

Han stared into her clear eyes and answered resolutely, "They will be fine. Ben is a competent man to be hired as my personal assistant. Serena will be safe as long as he is with him."

Hearing this, Leah felt much more relieved. She was unable to fall asleep, though.

Han did not force her to sleep, he simply let her sit on his lap, as they both looked up at the information. Han's gaze darkened as he observed Leah, who was in his arms, concentrating on doing research on the tablet.

He asked, "Would you be this worried if I disappeared one day?"

Leah suddenly froze. Her ability to contain her tears had long since been compromised by his question. She bit her lower lip and tried not to cry out loud. She merely lowered her head and was unwilling to answer his question.

Why did this jerk have to ask me this at this crucial time? Did I look like I'm not worried enough?

Leah’s tears confirmed Han's answer. He was delighted and felt deeply sorry for her.

"Don't cry. It's my fault."

Han extended his slender fingers and gently wiped the tears from her face.

His deep and sexy voice made Leah's heart flutter. His seductive actions stopped her crying. She was still mad at him. Therefore, she turned her head away and did not allow him to wipe her tears.

"Are you going to be happy by trying to disappear? Do you think it’s something fun?"

Han, the man known as "Hades," was a little embarrassed by Leah's reprimand.

The laptop in front of them was currently livestream a video conference. Everyone saw the argument between the two. The Kendrick Group's senior executives were a little taken aback.

The first person to respond was Ross, who was accustomed to such a scene. He interrupted the two.

He said, "Mr. Hendrik…Well, we have deployed infrared detectors and two heat sources in a sewer not far from where the disappearance happened. Whether it's Ben and Ms. Coleman or sewer workers is unknown to us. I'm sending a team to investigate it right now."

Leah's gloomy mood was lightened by this possibility. She was about to speak when she suddenly realized that she had sobbed in front of everyone and reprimanded their cold-blooded boss.

Wasn't this a little embarrassing?

Leah blushed. She made a quiet attempt to leave Han's lap and hide to the side. Han grabbed her waist before she could do that and kept her on his lap.

"Girl, don't you think it's a little late to be embarrassed right now?" Han shut off the video conference as

he was speaking.

The executive of the Kendrick Group saw Han seductively lean closer to Leah at the end of the video, his movement drove their imaginations to run wild.

Ross and his team had set out.

They returned an hour later with some encouraging news.

The people in the sewer were indeed Serena and Ben. Ben, however, was seriously hurt, and those two had begun to show signs of hypothermia. Ross and his team arrived just in time to witness Ben fighting desperately against Ravensong's assassins.

Leah and Han also went to the hospital right away after learning the news.

The sun had risen. They had gone without sleep all night.

"Mr. Howard, Ms. Coleman is in no great danger. She is in the early stages of hypothermia and should wake up today. On the other hand, Mr. Wright has lost a lot of blood and was poisoned. His life is in danger due to the lethal toxicity. He couldn't possibly survive; it would take a miracle."

Chapter 467 I Can’t Be Mad At You

The doctor continued to explain, "He won't survive tonight if there isn't a miracle."

The doctor's declaration undoubtedly added salt to their wounds on this chilly winter day. Leah experienced a chill throughout her body.

"Tonight…"

Ben had finally managed to get Serena attention. They were starting to develop feelings for one another, yet they needed to face the challenge of being separated by life and death?

Leah was unwilling to see such a tragedy unfold.

Han's expression had now changed to one that was ominous and frightening.

Ross, who was standing next to Han, seemed a little dejected. He cursed, "Those damned Ravensong b*stards had gone so far as to harm our brother, Mr. Hendrik! Should I take some men with me and destroy their lair?"

Han cast a cold glance at him and asked, "Have you found their lair?"

Ross became discouraged and he was at a loss for words. He continued later, "Not yet, but I can't do nothing and watch as they murder one of us!"

Leah's soft voice echoed from the side, "No, Ben would live."

She had a sad smile on her face.

Han noticed Leah was gripping her wrist and he realized right away what she was planning. His pupils shrunk abruptly. He said, "Leah! You can't use that!"

This was the only antidote they currently had for the Ravensong poison. If they gave it to Ben, what would Leah do if she were poisoned in the future?

Although Ben was someone important in their lives, Han had his own interests in mind. He wanted Leah's life to be protected.

Leah knew that Han would refuse her offer. She gently shook her head even though she knew Han would decline her offer.

Leah spoke with a determined expression, "This could mean the difference between life and death. I'll spend the rest of my life feeling guilty if I don't intervene to save Ben. Alfred had died because of me. I don't want to carry the weight where so many of your men have to sacrifice their lives for me."

The weight of life was something too heavy for her to bear.

Han's face turned gloomy as Leah mentioned Alfred. He clenched his fists tightly. When he looked up at Leah again, a tinge of sadness flashed through his eyes. He asked, "Is it a must for you to use that?"

Why did she repeatedly put her own life in danger? I came close to losing her several times. This time, I don't want to lose her again. I might not be able to endure such suffering.

Han's expression was one that Leah hardly ever saw. Her heart ached too, but she firmly replied, "Yes, I want to use this antidote to save Ben."

Serena, Carlotta, and me had all been cared for by Ben. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

In the end, under Leah’s insistence, the only antidote was given to Ben.

"Thank goodness!"

Seeing that Ben's painful expression was gradually softening. Leah’s eyes had turned red from her agitation.

Thankfully, the antidote worked. Ben is safe. I wouldn't change my mind even if I had to do it again.

Ben's condition had improved when the doctor was about to notify him that he was in a critical condition. He was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped.

"What is going on? Has something miraculous just happened? Chop chop, he's all right now. Push him back into the operating room now for the subsequent procedure!"

Despite his confusion, he carried out his obligations as a doctor and ordered Ben to return to the operating room for the subsequent treatment after the antidote was given.

Leah exhaled a sigh of relief, but she saw the man next to her still appeared anxious and upset. She took the initiative to walk over and hold his hand. She asked, "Han, are you still mad at me?"

The morning sunlight was drab outside the window. Frost formed on the glass due to the cold air condensation. The bleak winter scene was reflected in Leah's bright pupils.

Han turned his head to one side. He reprimanded and grinned coldly, "How dare I be mad at you? You never consult me before making the decisions that you take. You never think about how I feel."

His sarcastic words silenced Leah, she continued afterward, "It's ok even if the antidote is no longer available. I think you can keep me safe, right?"

Her soft voice made it impossible for Han to stay angry. However, a strong depressing aura was forming on his face.

"I understand. Go home and rest now."

He gave in once more to Leah in the face of arguments.

"Okay!"

Leah was finally able to return home and get some rest, knowing that Serena and Ben were safe.

She had been awake all night long. She was able to get a good rest when she was lying on the bed. She slept through the day and awoke just before nightfall.

An urgent phone call woke her up.

"Ms. Victor, is something wrong?" She answered the phone.

Susan hurriedly gave her a lengthy speech, "Sarah, I heard that Serena and that guy were hunting by Ravensong. Are they injured? You must keep the antidote I gave you for yourself. You remain Ravensong's primary target!"

She called Leah primarily to warn her against making rash decisions.

Leah pursed her lips. She placed her hand on the chilly window glass after she got out of bed. The look in her eyes was clear and cold. She said, "Uh-huh, I know. Thank you, Ms. Victor. Have you learned anything new about Ravensong?"

Leah subtly changed the topic. Susan's attention was diverted, so she did not give it much thought.

She replied, "I can't find anything about them. The majority of the Ravensong members are unregistered residents who have been trained since they were young and don't belong to any country. Don't worry, I'll be back to help you in a few days."

Susan eagerly anticipated their upcoming reunion.

Leah felt depressed after learning that Serena was being hunted. She had no intention of involving Susan any further.

Therefore, she made an effort to talk Susan out of it, saying, "Ms. Victor, as you are aware, Ravensong is after me. If you continue to stay close to me, you might be targeted as well. I just hope you can find out something about Ravensong from behind the scenes if you can."

Susan interrupted, "Sarah, it’s too polite for you to put it this way. We're friends, it's only right for us to help each other out during difficult times!"

Susan brought up a different subject because she was worried Leah would carry on with this one.

"The design competition's results have been released, Sarah. You came in second place…To be honest, I've seen the competition entries between you and the champion. Fergie's work is good, but it's not as good as yours."

Leah was fairly confident in her work, even though winning and losing are common in competitions. She frowned slightly at the result of the competition.

"After all, she has won three championships. She must possess some abilities. Unfortunately, Dream Designs can no longer benefit from those government policies."

Saying Leah was not disappointed would be a lie. It appeared that her studio still had a ways to go before receiving more recognition.

The contest organizers simultaneously posted the results of the competition online. They were awarded three trophies, including champion, runner-up, and second runner-up. Although many people were surprised by the outcome, it did meet some expectations.

"To be fair, I think Cindy's work is better. Although Miss Fergie is a three-time champion, her work this year is slightly inferior compared to Cindy's."

"This result is too shady, don't you think? Sarah White's work wasn't even enough to qualify her to be the champion?"

Chapter 468 A Moment Is An Eternity

The window glass was being repeatedly slammed by the cold wind. Leah felt a little chilly when she heard the whistling sound. She buried her head once more in the cozy quilt. She looked bewildered as she kept scrolling through the comments on her phone.

"How is that person so brave? Fergie shouldn't steal the trophy from Ms. Charming even though she is a member of the Ritch family, right?"

"Does she not realize that Mr. Hendrik is watching out for our Ms. Charming? Be careful! Ritch family might be in great danger."

Leah murmured, "This doesn’t feel right. They used to chastise me on the internet, didn't they? They rarely defend me in public."

Leah quickly discovered the reason when her assistant sent her a text message.

"Ms. White, our PR department has already taken the initiative to direct fans' comments on various news media platforms regarding online public opinion."

Leah found the situation both funny and embarrassing as she put away her phone. She was happy for nothing.

Some of her company's positive reviews and exposure had disappeared as word of her losing the competition spread across the nation.

"I see. Thank you."

Leah was depressed after she received another call from a government official informing her that Dream Designs had not been included in the Top 50 Who's Who rankings for new and influential companies.

She kept examining her own work and Fergie's because she was unwilling to accept her defeat.

While Fergie's work was flawless, as Susan had stated, it was still inferior to hers. It was obvious that she should have been the champion.

Leah was unwilling to endure her suffering in silence. She called the organizers to inquire about the competition results. When she raised her doubts, the organizers dismissed her concerns and mocked her.

"Are you implying that a novice designer like you is more competent than all of us experts? Never assume that depending on Mr. Hendrik will be enough for you to prevail. Don't you realize what you're capable of? How could you possibly have ever imagined competing against Ms. Ritch? You are remarkably bold. Accept the fact that you lost to her. All of this chatter is just a bitter loser whining, right?"

This speech made Leah the one at fault.

Her eyes became icy in appearance. She pursed her lips and rebuked, "How could you verbally attack me when I'm just bringing up logical doubts? It doesn't seem right, does it? Is this the true nature of the organizers of such internationally renowned events? People from the outside world would likely be very disappointed if they learned about this. This competition will lose its credibility!"

Leah might not be upset if they had been more professional in pointing out her shortcomings in comparison to Fergie. They attacked her as soon as she opened her mouth, which really made her furious.

The staff became upset after hearing Leah's direct and firm reply.

He berated her, "Do you consider me to be easily intimidated? Do you believe you can oppose us, the planners of an international event, given your status as someone who rose up the social ladder through a man? It was somehow flattering to award you the title of runner-up, how dare you covet Ms. Ritch's title? You don't know what’s good for you!"

The organizers started to hurl abuse and insults at Leah.

Leah was not angry. She simply pressed the recording button on her phone.

Han just so happened to hear the insults coming from the phone because Leah had set it on the table when he walked into the room. His charming face abruptly turned gloomy. His body radiated an icy and murderous aura.

Leah had stood up and taken his hand before he could do anything about it. She motioned for him not to speak.

Leah held her tongue until she felt she had gathered sufficient proof a short while later. She said, "No matter how the competition turns out, you have insulted me today. I'll see you in court."

After she hung up the phone, Han's deep and icy voice sounded immediately, "Did they cheat you out of your championship?"

Han was shown the creations by Leah and Fergie. She explained, "It would appear so. Her work contains some details and lines that aren't as well-managed as mine."

Han pulled out his phone. He didn't even bother to look at Fergie's creations. His gloomy expression showed a sign of disdain, "What a bunch of fools!"

…

He could not bear the thought of Leah being wronged by anyone other than himself.

Leah noticed Han’s meaningful gaze, and she asked in confusion, "Are you preparing to take action? Don't worry, I'll sue the organizers and take them to court."

Han chuckled, "There's no need for that. A competition organizer that loses its fairness doesn't need to exist."

Outside the window, the chilly wind persisted.

Leah's heart warmed at this frank defense, but other people found this speech to be a little inhuman.

"Then, I'll leave it to you."

Since Han was going to take action, Leah was happy to take it easy. She smiled gently and held his wrist. She said, "How are Serena and Ben doing?"

The ice in Han's eyes melted during this conversation, which was typical for a normal couple. Han grinned, allowing Leah to hold him more comfortably by bringing his elbow closer to her side. He said, "Serena is now awake. After dinner, let's go see her."

…

Ritch Manor, which was located abroad.

An old man was seated in the grand hall. His physique remained tall and burly even though he had gray hair. He had a sharp and fierce gaze. He glared at the subordinate that kneeled before him and asked, "What did you just say? This Sarah White belongs to Hendrik?"

He only asked one question, but it contained a complete demonstration of his authority.

That subordinate was powerless against the old man's commanding presence. His body was shaking uncontrollably, and he was covered in a cold sweat.

Despite his body shaking throughout, he forced himself to respond, "Indeed, Mr. Ritch. All of the public opinions expressed online have been monitored and examined. Internet users are eager to watch the drama surrounding the Ritch family. They all claimed that we had offended Mr. Hendrik."

"Bang!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a cup of piping hot tea smashed onto the floor, narrowly missing his

face. The air was permeated with the aroma of premium black tea.

Mr. Ritch scoffed, "It seems like a lot has happened during my years of recuperation. Hendrik has only risen to prominence in the last two years, what does he have to compare with my family? The Kendrick Group is merely a trivial force that I can eliminate with a wave of my hand."

The Kendrick Group's influence over the previous two years was well known to that subordinate.

He could not help but remind his boss, "Mr. Ritch, his strength truly exceeds our imagination. The Kendrick Group has strong momentum. Our family may not be able to withstand their power."

In a fit of rage, Mr. Ritch growled, "You thrash! Are you afraid of him? Are you looking down on me? Tell Owen to have Veyris completely suppress and blacklist the Kendrick Group!"

Chapter 469 Passersby Of Life

Leah and Han arrived at the hospital at nine o'clock in the evening.

"Phew!" Leah exhaled in relief as she entered the hospital's cozy air conditioning after leaving the freezing outdoors.

She massaged her numb and cold hands. After that, she put them in Han's pocket. She inquired as she smiled up at him, "Mr. Howard, you don't mind, do you?"

Han rarely caught her acting so naughty and mischievous. He could not take his eyes off her. He let out a smile and replied, "I don't mind."

He kind of hoped Leah would be happy and at ease all the time. Something between them appeared to be gradually changing in secret. As they made their way into Serena's ward, the two laughed and chatted.

Serena was shocked by how well they got along while lying in bed in the hospital. She stared blankly at the two.

She suddenly changed the words she was going to say to something else. She asked, "You guys…I haven't seen you two in just one day. How did you two get along so well?"

Serena thought to herself, did something happen during the Qustraebar trip to bring them closer? Just like my relationship with Ben, I guessed I can no longer ignore that guy.

When she thought of Ben, she panicked. She inquired, "In any case, how is Mr. Wright doing? I recall

him getting hurt while defending me. Those daggers from Ravensong were poisoned, correct? Is he alright?"

Leah teased Serena when she noticed how worried she appeared, "He's fine. You don’t have to worry that much about him. Most of his injuries are superficial. He'll be healed in a month or so."

Serena was finally relieved. She then realized that Leah was making fun of her. She blushed and retorted, "Well, Sarah, you're making fun of me because you've found someone to support you, right?"

Han excused himself to answer a call outside while the girls were chatting excitedly.

Serena became intrigued by their gossip after Han left.

She beckoned Leah to sit by her bed and warmly took her hand. She teased, "Now tell me. How far along is your relationship with Han? Did you obtain a marriage license behind my back in secret?"

Leah's fair cheeks were blushing. She said, "Not really. Simply put, being around him makes me feel relaxed and at ease. How about you? What are your plans for saying "thank you" to Ben when he recovers? Ben has saved your life."

Leah had become familiar with Han's cunning ways of handling situations after spending a lot of time with him. She redirected the topic back to Serena with ease.

"I…Maybe I should buy him dinner?"

It worked to divert Serena's attention. She began to think while using her hand to support her chin.

Leah raised an eyebrow and asked, "I'm worried that won't be sufficient. After dinner, what plans do you have? Do you still feel the same way about him?"

"Well…"

The glass window kept the cold winter wind outside. The girls had a heart-to-heart conversation inside the warm and comfortable hospital ward.

It was unknown when Han finished his call, but he was now leaning against the door frame, watching Leah chat happily with adoration. The warm and bright light gently fell on Leah’s fair face, adding a

touch of the soft and dreamy veil to her whole being.

"Thump!"

Han’s heart suddenly pounded heavily.

Leah’s bright and beautiful smile was deeply etched into his mind. Han thought he would never forget this moment for the rest of his life.

Leah wanted to talk even though it was getting late. Han stepped forward to take Leah away. He said, "We should go now."

Han reached out his hand to wrap Leah’s soft hand in his. He put her hand naturally into his coat pocket. Then, he freed his hand to hold Leah’s waist as they walked out of the room.

Leah waved back at her friend. She said, "Serena, the doctor advised you to take one more day of rest. You may be allowed to leave tomorrow if your condition is good. I'll come to pick you up then."

Serena gaped in shock as she looked at the two. She was trembling, pointing at their departing figures.

It doesn't matter whether I'll be discharged or not; what matters right now is…when their relationship started to get so good.

She grumbled, "You guys…are you even human? How could you show off your affection to a hospital patient?"

The ice that had been between Han and Leah had melted. Soon, something good was going to happen.

Serena was undoubtedly happy for her best friend to find happiness. On the other hand, she felt restless and unsure of what to do when she thought of Ben, the man who was badly hurt while attempting to save her.

"Doctor, please take me to see Ben. He’s been hospitalized with me."

Serena struggled to get to sleep. Therefore, she asked the doctor to take her to Ben's ward. She was not permitted to enter the room to see him, only to stand outside of it.

"I'm really sorry, miss. Just now, Mr. Wright was moved from the intensive care unit. His condition is not stable yet. You can only observe from the outside of his room. In addition, you have to maintain silence."

The doctor's words were similar to a fine needle piercing Serena's heart. She began to tighten her fists as a result.

Serena looked at Ben, who was in the hospital bed and appeared pale and weak. It was totally different from how he usually looked when he was healthy.

"Is it worth it for you to do that for me?" Her murmured voice was somewhat choked.

Actually, Serena had no feelings for Ben before he saved her. Although she was shy to see him after what happened, she still did not develop any romantic feelings of liking for Ben. From Serena’s point of view, the two of them were just passersby who happened to cross paths with one another.

However, the figure of this man was deeply rooted in her heart and difficult to remove.

Serena thought it was likely that Sarah felt the same way after Han saved her. It was something complicated and guilty.

Ben woke up three days later.

On this day, the gloomy sky had finally cleared up. There was little warmth provided by the dim sunlight. People were walking down the street dressed in bulky winter jackets.

Leah handed a man's down jacket to Serena. She explained with a light smile, "I bought this when I passed by a store today. The weather is quite cold today, you should give it to Ben."

Serena blushed, "Why should I do that? I don't want to give it to him!"

It was too humiliating and shameful to consider taking the initiative to offer him a down jacket as a gesture of goodwill, okay?

"Well, fine then. Let Ben freeze to death then."

Leah read through Serena’s thoughts. She regretfully prepared to take away the down jacket.

"What are you talking about? I'll give it to him!"

Serena seized the down jacket and held it in her arm. She gritted her teeth in rage and grumbled, "After spending time with that old fox, Sarah, you've turned out to be a very bad girl. You never used to be able to say such hurtful things with that adorable little mouth of yours."

Leah shook her head innocently and said, "Did I? Go see Ben as soon as possible. If you aren't there when he wakes up, he'll be disappointed."

Serena choked on her words. She was speechless. She made a movement with her lips as if she were going to say something, but ultimately refrained. She quickly ran to Ben's ward with the jacket.

A sudden whooshing sound was heard from where Serena was standing, immediately after she had left.

"Bang!"

A faint noise came from the wardrobe opposite the window.

Leah looked at the partially closed window with a somber expression. She eventually turned around

and left the ward while pretending nothing had happened.

Ravensong had made yet another move.

Chapter 470 Mr. Hendrik’s Sweetheart

Leah held her phone as she gazed at the cold wind howling outside. She decided to call Han. She said, "Han, as you had predicted, Ravensong's killer visited the hospital today. Serena almost hurt…"

The day Ben woke up was initially intended to be a very happy occasion.

However, Han warned Leah in the wee hours of the morning that Ravensong might strike once more. Leah hurried to the hospital and brought some bodyguards with her.

Han's deep, seductive voice finally came through the phone after a brief period of silence. He urged, "Stay in the hospital and don't wander around. Leave Ravensong's business to me."

Leah asked, "What can I do to help you?"

Leah pursed her lips. She was unwilling to be treated as a perfectly protected canary. She wanted to lend some support and strength to him by carrying some of his burdens. Han had to oversee Leah's affairs as well as the enormous Kendrick Group. The mere thought of it made Leah feel worn out.

Han could tell Leah was worried. He chuckled softly and said, "The biggest help you can give us is to keep us safe."

"Then, I want you to look after yourself." Leah knew that Han was unwavering in his stance on this matter, and she graciously accepted it.

Han spoke with an even softer voice and said, "Okay, I've solved the problem for your design competition. Remember to watch the news later."

Leah went to Ben's ward with a smile on her face after hanging up the phone.

"Ms. Coleman, you're pressing on my wound. It hurts…"

Leah heard Ben panting ambiguously as she was about to open the door. Standing at the door, Leah felt awkward all of a sudden, unsure if she should go into the ward.

Serena insisted over and over that she did not want to be with Ben. When they were alone together, though, that woman was engaging in a flirtatious game with Ben. Leah made the decision to intervene so that Ben would be safe because his wounds were still not fully healed and it was improper for him to participate in this game.

She walked all the way to Ben's bed after opening the door while blushing.

Leah said, "Serena, hold back for the time being. Ben's injuries need to heal before you start playing these games with him."

Serena had been lying on Ben's chest at first. She hurriedly stood up, moved to the side, and adjusted her clothing as soon as Leah entered the room. She clarified, "You misunderstood, Sarah! I merely slipped!"

Ben was concerned that Serena's reputation would be tarnished in front of her close friend. He hurriedly explained, "Mrs. Howard, it’s nothing like that. Ms. Coleman was trying to cover me with a blanket. I don't want you to get the wrong idea; nothing is going on between us."

"Who on earth is trying to wrap a blanket around you!" Serena interrupted Ben while blushing.

Then Serena flung open the window to let in the chilly air. The warm room quickly became chilly. With the bitter cold, Serena's mood gradually improved.

Serena started talking to Leah about business while wearing a serious expression. She said, "Sarah, I just saw a notification saying that our company's rating and some government support have been revoked. This issue has caused quite an uproar in the company group chat."

"Our employees are dissatisfied. I'm going to fire anyone causing trouble. Is that acceptable? Besides, everyone knows that your championship was stolen by Fergie. Otherwise, the championship would have been yours!"

Serena became enraged when she brought up these issues.

Leah was indifferent compared to Serena's agitation. She patted Serena's shoulder to comfort her and said, "It's ok. This issue has been resolved by Han."

Serena's face distorted as she noticed how Leah addressed Han. She mocked Leah, "Oh, you’re talking with Han just now? When did the two of you start to get along so well? Why don't you tell me what transpired between you two?"

Even if Leah was willing to tell her, she had no idea what had happened. Simple, everyday interactions between them led to the two of them inevitably becoming close.

"Well…"

"Next, we'll broadcast international news. The shooting competition organizer, 02 Conglomerate, was involved in bribery. The organization is now under investigation by the government. Its stock prices have plummeted!"

The news on the TV interrupted Leah as she was starting to speak.

She was a little taken aback as she watched the news, thinking that this must be what Han had mentioned to her when he told her he had solved the problem and recommended she watch the news.

Nobody anticipated that the organizer would face more than just an investigation, though.

#Kendrick Group Acquires 02 Conglomerate# Explosive!

When this trending topic entered the public's view, the design competition, which had already concluded, once again attracted an astonishing amount of attention.

"I'm cracking up so hard! How dare these people steal Sarah White's championship? It’s fine if her skills weren't up to par, but her scores were way above Fergie's!"

"As expected, a foreign conglomerate is ignorant of Ms. White's status as Mr. Hendrik's sweetheart. They dared to subject his beloved wife to this wrongdoing. Don't you think 02 Conglomerate deserves to be acquired?"

"Let me guess, Mr. Hendrik shouldn’t have done this for the sake of a certain Ms. Charming, right? Pepe the frog. JPG"

Leah experienced a strong heat throughout her body after reading internet users' jokes that Hendrik

liked her. These online users were huge gossipers.

When Serena noticed Leah's shy and embarrassed expression, she was standing next to her. However, Serena continued to enjoy herself and continued to read the comments.

"Internet user A said, "Urgh! How dare you put my darling through pain? I'll obliterate your business." Here is another one, "Yes, the trophy is yours, but your conglomerate is now ours.""

Ben could not help but shake his head as he heard Serena read these embarrassing remarks. He said, "Mrs. Howard, I hope you won't mind."

"It's fine."

On the contrary, Leah's mood had calmed down. She glanced at Serena and said, "Serena, please stop making fun of me. What would you do if Ben did something like this for you someday?"

Serena's smile abruptly became frozen as she laughed. She continued to frown at Leah after glaring angrily at Ben. "Forget I said anything," she exclaimed.

Leah started talking about important topics with them once she noticed Serena had calmed down.

"Today, people from Ravensong are lurking outside the hospital. The windows must remain shut. They'll use silver needles that have been laced with poison against us. Any medication administered by unfamiliar medical personnel must be taken with caution."

Ben instantly became serious, "Understood, Mrs. Howard!"

Serena was furious, she yelled, "It's that damn organization again! Why are they targeting us? They wouldn’t do that because we started Dream Designs, right? Other than Anna and Shawn, I don't remember us offending anyone else!"

Leah was reminded of this by Serena's words. Her beautiful pupils suddenly shrank, and she exclaimed, "Anna!"